A new jail for Smith County has created considerable debate lately. Fortunately a group of community leaders with opposing views are working to make sure you understand the issue. I invited each of them to appear on this segment. Today you will hear from those who want you to vote for the upcoming bond election.More >> We need a new jail in Smith County.The proof is all around us.More >> 10/11/2007-Smith Co.
The Architect of the Smith County jail proposal knows what his vote would be on the jail bond. He says Smith County residents desperately need to pass it, and they need to do it now.More >> 10/01/07-Smith County
In about a month, taxpayers in Smith County will be asked whether or not they will help pay for a new $125 million dollar jail. Commissioners held a town hall meeting Monday asking for the public's feedback. As the bond election date approaches, more and more residents are speaking out.More >> The Smith County Jail proposal has been a total political disaster. And millions of your dollars are at stake. There's even a serious proposal out there to release some prisoners from jail to relieve overcrowding. Unfortunately, the more this gets discussed the more dysfunctional our Commissioners Court appears to be. And that's whyI believe the current court needs to stop what they're doing and wait on new leadership to take over. More >>
A new jail for Smith County has created considerable debate lately. Fortunately a group of community leaders with opposing views are working to make sure you understand the issue. I invited each of them to appear on this segment. Today you will hear from those who want you to vote against the upcoming bond election.
Walter Lindsey says
"There are three basic points of opposition."
"Judgement and credibility - after being in their new jobs for six months our judge and commissioners voted themselves raises ranging from 30% to 45%. This did not show good judgment. East texas culture shows we value logical decisions, a conservative approach to almost everything and especially controlling taxes."
"It's a bad idea. The 2006 jail bond that failed asked for $83 million. Now they are asking for $125 million. 50% more for fewer beds. What part of no do they not understand? the average value of a home in Smith county is $121k. This bond will spend $90k for each bed space."
"The project keeps changing and growing. Before we finish the headlines could read "the jail that ate Tyler."
If you share our concerns, don't like what you are hearing or seeing be sure you vote no on this one!
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